Tough stance is getting results

January 18, 2006

Updated: Monday, June 7, 2010 (08:50)

A NEW police inspector has launched a crusade against anti-social behaviour in Godmanchester, leading to the arrest of 14 people in the past four weeks. The tough stance on disorderly behaviour follows the appointment of Inspector Andrew Pickles as Sector

A NEW police inspector has launched a crusade against anti-social behaviour in Godmanchester, leading to the arrest of 14 people in the past four weeks.

The tough stance on disorderly behaviour follows the appointment of Inspector Andrew Pickles as Sector Inspector for Huntingdon and Godmanchester at the beginning of November.

Inspector Pickles, who succeeds Inspector Jim Lunn, joined the force in 1988 and has worked in a number of roles including force control room Inspector and duty manager for Central Division.

"Godmanchester residents have experienced problems with low-level crime and disorder like graffiti, stone-throwing and damage to property. This type of crime can be very distressing and frustrating, particularly for elderly and vulnerable members of the community."

Inspector Pickles attended a meeting of Godmanchester residents in early December with representatives from partner agencies including the fire service. The meeting was attended by 60 residents, revealing the anger and frustration caused by groups of youths intent on causing trouble for the sake of it.

"I intend to use all available powers to address these problems working alongside all interested parties but, as I said at the meeting, I have to look at the long term and things will not change overnight. It is not solely a policing problem and I would ask people living in the area to pass us any information that could assist us.

"Many of the youths causing the problems live locally so I would urge parents to remain mindful of what their children are up to when out and about in the evenings.

"I would further ask the people causing these problems to consider the impact their actions are having upon others in the community. I am determined that Godmanchester will be a safe and peaceful place to live or visit and, in order to achieve this, will ensure all offenders are dealt with robustly."

INFORMATION: December saw an 11 per cent drop in overall crime in Huntingdon, comprising an 11 per cent decrease in criminal damage, a 20 per cent drop in burglary, a 54 per cent reduction in arson and a 35 per cent fall in vehicle crime.